2019 NFL Draft prospect preview: New Mexico Bowl

2019 NFL Draft prospect preview: New Mexico Bowl

Unlike the Cure Bowl, the New Mexico Bowl is projected to be a bit more of a blowout with the Mountain West’s Utah State Aggies (10-2) heading in as an eleven point favorite over the C-USA representative North Texas Mean Green (9-3). Both teams have some intriguing firepower especially at receiver and although there might not be much immediate Draft talent, we will take a look at possible targets in the future.

North Texas Mean Green

Mason Fine, QB, 5-11, 180 pounds, Jr.

Fine is only a junior and unlikely to declare, but he is a prospect to keep an eye on due to the consistency and effectiveness he has displayed the last couple of seasons. Fine’s current stat line includes a 64 percent completion percentage, 3,734 passing yards, and 27 touchdowns this season. He is arguably the best pure passer in college and has elevated the Mean Green offense to new heights as evidenced by their offense breaking every school record in the books including passing yards per game, total yards per game, and points per game.

Jalen Guyton, WR, 6-1, 208 pounds, Jr.

Although not the leading receiver for North Texas, Guyton was named C-USA Newcomer of the Year in 2018 and has followed up with another impressive campaign. Guyton is a former Juco star that has snagged fifty balls for 702 yards and five touchdowns this season. Guyton is another prospect not likely to declare early, but he is a big play machine and should be on NFL radars for 2019.

Kelvin Smith, TE, 6-2, 252 pounds, Jr.

The Mean Green lack any superior senior prospects, but Smith is another talented junior and yet another weapon in this elite passing attack. Smith is a consistent target week in and week out, including during their last contest against UTSA, when Smith hauled in three receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown. NFL teams are constantly looking for large sure-handed options in their passing attack and Smith will be one to keep an eye on moving forward.

Utah State Aggies

Dax Raymond, TE, 6-5, 245 pounds, Jr.

Raymond is a legit prospect and for those looking to take a deeper dive, the Aggie has accepted an invitation to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl after declaring for the NFL Draft via Twitter. Despite being a junior, Raymond is eligible for the Senior Bowl due to him taking a redshirt in 2016. This season he snagged 25 receptions for 335 yards and two touchdowns and although those numbers appear low, Raymond missed four games due to a broken hand.

Dominik Eberle, K, 6-2, 190 pounds, Jr.

Unlike Raymond, Eberle has not declared for the NFL and is highly unlikely, but he has made improvements each year and will be one of the top kicking prospects to watch in 2019. Eberle was a Lou Groza Award finalist after his impressive 2017 season and despite missing that prestigious list this season still managed to improve making 21 of 27 field goal attempts.

Quin Ficklin, C, 6-2, 290 pounds, Sr.

Ficklin was named as a first-team All-Mountain West member after another successful season at the pivot in this Aggie offense. Utah State has a very experienced and talented offensive line, Ficklin has been the leader of that unit for two straight seasons. Intelligence and leadership are two traits vital to play the center position in the NFL and Ficklin has demonstrated both.

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